What is Soy?
Soy is a product made from soybeans. Soy beans have been cultivated for centuries by many cultures and are considered to be wonderful sources of protein, iron and calcium.
What is types of Soy are available?
Soy products come in many different forms! Tofu, is probably the most recognized form of soy available in most grocery stores. Edamame, is another form of soy. Edamame " is a green vegetable more commonly known as a soybean, harvested at the peak of ripening right before it reaches the "hardening" time. The word Edamame means "Beans on Branches," and it grows in clusters on bushy branches." (edamame.com)
As with any allergic reaction, a soy allergy occurs when the body mistakes soy as a harmful invader. Diagnosing a soy allergy in an infant is really hit or miss and that is why it is very important to follow the 4 Day Wait Rule when introducing your baby to new foods! It is also important to not use Soy as a first food.
If Soy is an allergen, why is there Infant Formula that is made out of Soy?
There are some infants who are formula fed that simply cannot tolerate the milk proteins and/or lactose found in commercial infant formulas. These infants may exhibit symptoms such as "colic", projectile vomitting after each bottle and/or an overall unwell and physical and emotional appearance.
For these infants, the first alternative formula that most pediatricians prescribe is a soy based infant formula. Most infants who are put on a soy formula are able to tolerate the formula without any negative side-effects!
If you feel that your baby may have a soy allergy, you may want to consult your pediatrician and ask about the appropriateness of beginning an Allergy Elimination Diet. If a Mom is breastfeeding and eating soy products, Mom may also want to cut soy out of her diet for 3 weeks to help further determine if the suspect is indeed soy.
If you find that your baby is indeed allergic to soy, you may want to take note of all the other names for soy products that are used as ingredients in many foods:
Be sure to avoid giving your child foods that contain any of the following ingredients:
- hydrolyzed soy protein
- miso
- shoyo sauce
- soy flour
- soy grits
- soy nuts
- soy milk
- soy sprouts
- soy protein concentrate
- soy protein isolate
- soy sauce
- tempeh
- textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- tofu
Other possible sources of soy or soy products:
- flavorings
- hydrolyzed plant protein
- hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- natural flavoring
- vegetable broth
- vegetable gum
- vegetable starch
To avoid soy and soy products:
